Food, drink, and hand-to-mouth contact

Food, drink, and items that promote hand-to-mouth contact (e.g., pacifiers) should not be permitted in animal contact areas.

The food and drink prohibition is critical to preventing disease.

Other contamination issues

Accumulating evidence from recent outbreaks at fairs indicates that E. coli O157:H7 can cause widespread contamination of surfaces in animal barns. Therefore food, clothing, and shoes of patrons viewing the animals can become contaminated (even in the absence of direct animal contact).

Higher risk animals: reptiles, chicks, ducklings, and calves

Some animals pose higher risk of causing disease in humans. These animals include reptiles (lizards, snakes, and turtles), chicks, ducklings, and calves.

Therefore there are special recommendations for preventing disease from these animals.

Please note that reptiles, chicks, ducklings, and other young fowl should not be allowed in childcare centers or households that include children under 5 years of age or immunocompromised persons.

We recommend that higher risk animals (reptiles, chicks, ducklings, and calves) not be displayed in petting zoos.

At fairs and petting zoos children under 5 years of age should not be permitted to enter the pen with the animals.

Spotlight

Reptiles and Amphibians: Salmonella
Some reptiles and amphibians can make cool pets, but they can also be a source of illness. Reptiles (e.g., Iguanas, turtles, snakes) and amphibians (e.g., frogs and toads) carry Salmonella.

Norovirus Infection
Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses also known previously as “Norwalk-like viruses.” Learn more about Norovirus, how to minimize your risk of acquiring norovirus infection, required reporting information, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, treatment and more.

Cooking for Groups
Consumer information about preparing and serving food for large groups. Information to help volunteers prepare and serve food safely for large groups such as family reunions, church dinners, and community gatherings.

Zoonotic Diseases: Disease Transmitted from Animals to Humans
A zoonosis (zoonotic disease or zoonoses -plural) is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans (or from humans to animals). Common illnesses associated with animal contact include Rabies, Brucellosis, Blastomycosis, and Plague.